Filter Assembly for X-ray Imaging with Segmented Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems face challenges in acquiring high-quality image data with selected filters, particularly in surgical procedures where precise anatomical visualization is crucial.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging system incorporates a filter assembly with multiple filter members that can be strategically positioned to filter x-rays at different energy characteristics, allowing for enhanced contrast and detailed imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple filters are used to improve image contrast and detail, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into multiple discrete filter members (first filter, second filter, third filter) that can be independently selected and positioned. Each filter member has specific energy characteristics, allowing the system to segment the filtering function into manageable, interchangeable components that improve image quality without requiring a completely complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate multiple different filter members (at least three distinct filters with different energy characteristics) within a single assembly structure. This multi-functional design allows the same assembly to perform various filtering operations by simply changing which filter member is positioned in the x-ray beam path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If filters are positioned to filter x-rays at different energy characteristics, then contrast imaging is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast imagingVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filter members with different energy characteristics are merged into a single filter assembly structure. The assembly integrates the first filter, second filter, and third filter (each with distinct energy characteristics) into one unified component system that can be positioned together, reducing the number of separate assemblies needed while maintaining the ability to achieve contrast imaging at different energies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter member is moved into the x-ray beam path, then scatter radiation is reduced, but image acquisition time may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescatter radiationVSAvoidimage acquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter member is positioned in advance into the x-ray beam path between the x-ray source and the subject before image acquisition begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that scatter radiation is reduced from the start of the imaging process, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments or corrections during image acquisition and thereby minimizing any potential time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables the acquisition of high-quality image data with improved contrast and detail, facilitating more precise surgical procedures and reducing radiation exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a filter assembly including a first filter member, a second filter member, and a third filter member. Each of the first filter member, the second filter member, and the third filter member may be moved into the x-ray beam path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray filtering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Ho Lee et al: 'Binary moving-blocker-based scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography with width-truncated projections'

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4231917B1Filter system and method for imaging a subject
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 MEDTRONIC NAVIGATION INC
  • EP4231917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231917B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with a selected filtering characteristic. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.